The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV) applauds President Obama and the White House Council on Women and Girls for issuing a renewed call to action today to address the epidemic of sexual assault in our nation. “With 1 in 5 women in the United States experiencing rape in her lifetime, it is only with the concerted effort of those in highest leadership that we can hope to turn the tide and together build a culture that refuses to tolerate sexual violence. President Obama and his team are bringing an unprecedented spotlight to the problem of sexual assault,“ said Monika Johnson-Hostler, NAESV board president.
Advocates at state sexual assault coalitions and rape crisis centers across the nation share the Administration’s commitment to address the trauma of sexual violence and its impact on survivors. With increased funding for programs like the federal Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP), more survivors will have access to the critical trauma-informed services and supports they so desperately need. NAESV agrees with the Administration that criminal justice responses to the crimes of sexual violence must be strengthened, and we are hopeful that new provisions of the Violence Against Women Act 2013 will provide law enforcement and prosecutors with the resources and tools they need to increase arrest and prosecution rates. NAESV urges the Administration to end sexual assault in our military. We share the Administration’s commitment to ensuring young people are able to lead lives free from violence. Holding campuses accountable will be a crucial part of that work, and NAESV looks forward to working with the White House Task Force on Protecting Students from Sexual Assault.
“We know that addressing the complex and horrifying reality of sexual violence isn’t easy, but President Obama is setting an example of the kind of courageous leadership we will need to succeed. Together, we can create a world where our daughters and sons are safe to reach for their dreams,” said Ms. Johnson-Hostler.
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The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV) is the voice in Washington for state coalitions and local programs working to end sexual violence and support survivors.